Dalkey Community Council Annual Collection

The Community Council would like to thank all residents who have contributed to the Council's annual collection. Your generosity is most appreciated as without your help the Community Council could not bring the Newsletter, Christmas Tree and many other activities to the town. To those who may still wish to contribute please contact your road representative whose name and address is on the back of this Newsletter. Once again many thanks.

The monthly meeting of the Dalkey Community Council was held on Monday, 31 March. The Chairman welcomed Ms Gill Coffey and Mr. Gerry Mitton representing Gosworth Park and Sue Ryder respectively. He thanked the previous representatives for their contribution to the Council.

FUNCTIONS:
Judging for the Garden Competition is taking place on Wednesday, 25 June with the reception of prizes to be held on Friday, 4 October. (See entry form inside - Ed)

TIDY TOWNS:
The committee is concerned that there are two houses vacant on St. Patrick's Avenue and Square, which could lead to vandalism and also become a health hazard. This is being brought to the attention of the County Council. The Committee also is intending to have floral displays at Coliemore Harbour in time for the summer months.

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT:
Redan: The developer is appealing this to An Bord Pleanala and a number of residents in the area are submitting observations, the Community Council is also submitting its observations.
Knockmore: There is an application for retention on this property and the policy of the Community Council is to object to applications for retention.
Sorrento House: The application in respect of the roof hatches has been granted by the County Council, the lightwell has been refused permission. The County Council is seeking further information in respect of the area beside the garage site.
Site of former Systems Printing: Archaeological surveys are being carried out and there may have been some finds. The Community Council is endeavouring to establish the significance of any finds.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH:
With the assistance of the Gardai in Dalkey the Community Council would like to revitalise Neighbourhood Watch in Dalkey - see two articles inside - Ed.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
Playground: A resident wrote a few months ago inquiring as to the possibility of a playground in Dalkey. The Community Council had carried out inquiries some years previous and even at that time insurance was one of the main stumbling blocks. Courtesy of Ms. Mary Hanafin's (TD) Newsletter, the cost of developing the new playground due to open in Cabinteely was Euro76,000.
Draft Plan: The Draft Plan for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council will go on public display at the end of April. Green Road, Killiney Hill: It was mentioned that new benches have been installed along the Green Road on Killiney Hill and sponsored by the 'Dalkey Bench Committee Restoration Fund'. The Community Council would like to congratulate this Committee on its endeavours and would like to make contact with its Chairman.
Footpath: Now that the summer is almost upon us clarification was sought by a representative as to what licences/regulations are in place governing the consumption of food and drink on the pavement outside establishments. In some instances this practice is pushing pedestrians out on the street thus putting their safety in jeopardy. The Community Council is to seek clarification on what is required.
Harbour Road: There is growing concern at the parking of vehicles on the bend of the road on Harbour Road leading from Ulverton Road. This matter will be taken up with the appropriate authorities.

As there was no further business the meeting concluded.

• Are you interested in taking part in the Dalkey Community Games? ·
• Are you aged between 6 and 18? ·
• Would you like to participate in, say: Art, Gymnastics, Model Making, Swimming, Judo or Cycling?
• If so leave you name, address, telephone number and date of birth in the Dalkey Community Council's post box in Our Lady's Hall

• Dalkey Community Council is anxious to facilitate the revitalising and coordination of all Neighbourhood Watch Schemes in the Dalkey area in an effort to make these Schemes more effective and adaptable to present day needs.
• Burglaries in the Dalkey area have shown an increase in recent months.
• Are you the Chairperson or Secretary of a local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme?
• If so, and you are interested, then please contact:

Dalkey Community Council
C/o Our Lady's Hall Castle Street

Dalkey Community Council are reminding all Associations, Clubs etc. that, under the Community Council Constitution, you are entitled to appoint a representative to speak on your behalf at Council meetings each month.
Only if all sections of the Community voice their opinions can the Community Council be a strong and vibrant one capable of making decisions that reflect the feelings of all the residents of Dalkey.
If you wish to be included in decisions made in Dalkey for Dalkey, then please contact:

Dalkey Community Council
C/o Our Lady's Hall Castle Street

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has a Recycling Facility at George's Place, Dun Laoghaire (opposite the Old Fire Station).
Here you can recycle at one time: glass, drink cans, paper (newspaper, junk mail, magazines, telephone books, cards,), cardboard packaging and plastic containers (drink and milk bottles, shampoo bottles)
Opening hours:

• Monday to Thursday 8am to 4.30pm
• Friday 8am to 3.30pm and
• Saturday 8am to 4pm (closed Sundays and public holidays).

Please do your part to help the environment, we all have a vested interest

Q...My daughter intends looking for a job during the summer holidays. How many hours a week can she work?

A...The Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996, sets limits on the maximum number of hours for young workers.
Under the act a "child" means a person under the age of 16 and a "young person" means a 16 or 17 year old.

Under the Act a child aged 14 may not work during the school term. He/she may do light work during school holidays provided the hours do not exceed 7 hours a day and 35 hours a week.

A 15 year old may do light work up to 8 hours a week during term-time. During school holidays the same maximum number of hours apply as for 14 year olds.

During the summer holidays under 16's must have a break from work of at least 21 days.

Both 14 and 15 year olds are not allowed to work between 8pm in the evening and 8am in the morning and after 10pm at night
They are entitled to a 30 minute rest break in a 4½ hour work period.
Where someone has two or more jobs, the combined daily or weekly hours worked must not exceed the maximum hours.

While it is up to the employer to ensure that the law is not broken, a parent or a 16 or 17 year old who helps breach the law may be committing an offence.

If your daughter is offered a job she should request a contract of employment in writing.

After one month on the job she is entitled to a written statement of her terms of employment.

This is not, however, a contract of employment.

Further details available from the

Citizens Information Centre
85-86 Patrick Street
Dun Laoghaire.
Telephone 284 4544

When the moon sits above the Island,
There is Dalkey.
The sea like glass looks silver and low-key
A blood red sky at early dawn,
Silhouettes the tower and church long gone.
As that morning light shapes the hills,
Life from the sea, and Island spills.
From Bray to Howth a breeze blows free,
To cool the air over Dalkey.
The sun now sets in the West,
Lights form the boats on Dalkey rest.
Shadows that end a day that's blessed,
The Island sleeps, by the sea caressed Night over Dalkey gently falls,
Till the dawning sun, To the Island calls.
Island big Island small,
Island there on the High Sea.
Island Here Island Near,
My beloved Island Dalkey.

M. Keogh

Do you know whether any resident of Dalkey is ·

• Reaching/reached the wonderful age of 100 years young this year or indeed if there is someone over 100 years young living in the community.
• An athlete taking part in the Special Olympics this year.

If you do know please drop me a line to the Dalkey Community Council's post box in Our Lady's Hall. Many thanks - Ed.

The Dublin Community Games is 35 years old now and Dalkey's association is now well established and we have long made our mark. The Community Games allows and encourages all children to take part in both sporting and cultural activities.

During the year 2002 we took part in several disciplines for example Athletics, Hockey, Tennis. Medals and certificates were won and this has been reported on during the year, however and perhaps more importantly our young people made an immense contribution to those Games in 2002 and enjoyed themselves while doing just that.

As I mentioned last year the Community Games Movement, as a whole, like so many organisations, stands at a crossroads as it faces up to the problems posed by modern society. It has now drawn-up a Strategic Plan and new methods and strategies are being discussed and solutions found. To run the Games in Dalkey and to involve the children requires much patience and a fair bit of stamina! I congratulate all those adults who give their time so willingly to give the children of Dalkey an opportunity to experience the Games and the comradeship - thank you so much.

To the Community Council to whom we are affiliated thank you for your support and to Doctor Dolores MacKenna, Principal, Loreto Abbey we are indebted to you for the use of the school grounds.

Community Games is for each and every young person - give your child the opportunity to experience the Games and I have no doubt that your child will reap the rewards for many years to come and thank you for that opportunity.

Colleen Hogan

This competition is open to everyone in the Community Council area. There are several prizes including four Perpetual Cups. In addition to nomination for the "Surprise" Garden section there are the following categories:

• 1. Best Overall Garden
• 2. Best Front Garden - visible from the road.
• 3. Best Display - window boxes, hanging baskets, flower troughs and pots.
• 4. Best Communal Garden/Open Space

Judging this year will take place on Wednesday, 25 June and entries should be submitted not later than Wednesday, 11 June 2003 on the form below and placed in the box in Our Lady's Hall.

GARDEN COMPETITION ENTRY FORM

I / We wish to enter for (please tick) Overall Garden Front Garden - visible from the road Display - window boxes, hanging baskets etc. Communal Garden / Open Space

Name(s):...................................................................................................................................................................

Address: ...................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................................................

Tel: ……………………... Signature: ………………………………………………

Date: ………………….

Please print the entry and post in box in Our Lady's Hall, Castle Street, Dalkey (make a hard copy of the above if you can't get your hands on a copy of May's newletter)

Lamb Burgers (Serves 4)

1lb minced lamb, 1-2 tablespoon curry paste, 1-2 tablespoons finely, chopped parsley, 1 finely, chopped onion, 2 cloves crushed garlic, salt and pepper.

Mix all the ingredients together and shape lightly into burgers with wet hands (don't over handle the mixture).
Grill or fry on each side.

Cucumber Raita

8oz Greek style nature yoghurt, half grated cucumber, salt and black pepper, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon fresh chopped mint (optional), ½ tablespoon wine vinegar, clove crushed garlic.

Mix all ingredients together.
Serve with extra strips of cucumber, a sprig of mint and black pepper.

Courtesy of An Bord Bia

Sachertorte Cake:

6oz chocolate, 5½oz unsalted butter, 5½oz caster sugar, 6 eggs, separated, 5½oz plain flour. Icing and filling: 6oz chocolate 5 tablespoon strong black coffee, 6oz icing sugar, 6 tablespoons apricot preserve.

Grease a 9 inch springform cake tin. Melt the chocolate. Beat the butter and 2¾oz of the sugar until pale and fluffy.
Add the egg yolks and beat well.
Add the chocolate in a thin stream, beating well.
Sieve the flour and fold into mixture.
In a separate bowl whisk the egg whites until soft peak stage.
Add the remaining sugar and whisk for a few minutes until glossy.
Fold half into the chocolate mixture then fold in the remainder.
Spoon into the tin and bake at 150º, 300ºf, gas mark 2 for 1-1¼ hours (until a knife when inserted into the cake comes out clean). Cool in the tin for a few minutes and then allow to go cold.

Icing:

Melt chocolate and beat in the coffee until smooth.
Sieve the icing sugar into a bowl.
Whisk in the melted chocolate mixture to give a thick icing.
Halve the cake. Warm the jam and spread over one half of the cake and sandwich.
Spoon the chocolate icing over the cake and leave to set.

Neighbourhood Watch (NW) is a crime prevention strategy where the community observes and reports suspicious or criminal activity in the various localities. Dalkey NW scheme together with the schemes in Dun Laoghaire, Kill of the Grange and Cabinteely are the four sub-districts, which comprise Neighbourhood Watch "F" District. Meetings are held regularly at which information is exchanged on crime statistics, trends, etc.. Up to recently, Dalkey was considered one of the better districts with a relatively low crime rate. However that has changed and there is now an increased volume of burglaries and criminal damage to cars and property in the Dalkey area. During the year vulnerable people have been targeted and exploited by a number of "con men".

The Dalkey NW scheme was introduced 18 years ago. It worked extremely well. Over the years some degree of apathy has crept in. Experience has shown that the more successful a scheme is in preventing crime, the more complacent the community becomes. Statistics show where NW schemes are active that the level of crime and the anxiety generated as a result has been considerably reduced.

It is the view of the Gardai that when a community is alert to potential crime problems and co-operate with the authorities that crime can be prevented or at the very least minimised leading to a better quality of life in the various neighbourhoods. Regrettably as already mentioned, a certain apathy has crept in here in Dalkey. With this in mind, Garda Marie Barry has arranged a meeting with the Council NW representatives for next week to discuss how the Dalkey NW scheme can be re-vitalised. BC

Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre is back in full swing for the tourist season and is open seven days per week since the beginning of April.

Heritage Trails/Historical Walks to Coliemore, Bulloch and Dalkey Quarry leave from the Centre daily, depending on demand, with a dedicated Guide. Walks must have a minimum number of eight and be pre-booked. Literary Walks are being mapped at the moment featuring the settings in the work of local writers.

Lunchtime Theatre will begin in the Green Room in June. The 'Dart to Dalkey' facility is now in operation, so we expect a significant increase in visitor numbers this season, despite the war.

Our next Art Exhibition Transitional Zone II should be of particular interest to Dalkey residents, as one of the artists Jo Callanan, is the artist the Centre commissioned for the recent Heritage Map of Dalkey. South African born Jo moved to Dalkey in 2001. While the brightness of the African West Coast inspired the use of strong expressionistic colour in her work, Jo found brilliance in the rich texture of the Dalkey landscape and in other parts of Ireland. This is also abundantly evident in her photographic work, where the element of surprise is ever present. She works on canvas, wood and also on heavy water colour paper to absorb the ample splashes of colour and water to obliterate memories of the dry African South Easters and a merciless sun that is far more inviting to the wind surfer than the artist. In Ireland, Jo found great inspiration in the later work of Tony O'Malley.

Her exhibition partner, Aidan Gaffney's work deals with the simple everyday objects with emphasis on shape, form and the contrast of organic plant shapes with solid manmade objects. The art elements of line, shape, tone and colour are a central part of his compositions. Aidan has been involved in numerous exhibitions, such as the annual RHA and Oireachtais Exhibitions. He shows at the Bridge Gallery, Dalkey Arts, Guinness and Waldock Galleries. He has exhibited with the Jorgenson and Leinster Lane galleries in Dublin City Centre. The exhibition will open to the public on Thursday, 8 and Friday 9 May from 9.30am to 5pm and on Saturday, 10 and Sunday, 11 May 2003 from 11am to 5pm. Admission is free to the exhibition. There are a few slots still available to prospective artists in the 2003 calendar. For details contact the Heritage Centre at 285 8366.

• Any spring-flowering bulbs should be stripped of dead flowers and poor foliage. You can maintain growth longer with regular watering and feeding. This process builds-up the bulbs and ensures more flowers next spring.
• Divide primroses after the flowers have died and been trimmed. This encourages more growth and increases flowering the following spring.
• Plant shady areas with plants like wax and tuberous begonia, impatiens, lobelia, herbs and various ferns.
• In preparation for the hot summer(!) days place mulch, liberally, around bushes and flowers. This keeps the top roots cool and retains moisture. ·
• Thin vegetable seedlings when they reach a height of 3" to prevent overcrowding.

History

The Dalkey Business Association formed a Tidy Towns interest around 20 years ago and entered Dalkey into the competition and 5 years ago an independent Tidy Towns committee was formed.

Objective

To improve the general environment under the 9 headings of the Tidy Towns adjudicating sheet and in so doing improve on the previous year's total marks.

Mission Statement

The former Dalkey U.D.C. is now amalgamated with Dun Laoghaire for 70 years and with the new D.L.R.C.C. for 8 of those years. Dalkey was declared a Heritage Town in 1994 and shares that distinction with Malahide the only other heritage town in the Dublin City and County Region. The manner of approach by Fingal County Council to its heritage town should be a model for D.L.R.C.C. in the absence of any clear plan of their own. Dalkey is partly a cul-de-sac with restricted access from its southern and western approaches. Nevertheless it is clearly a commuter belt distinct and access to its facilities should be improved. Local Business and Tourist attractions will benefit.

Action Plan

The Tidy Towns Committee looks to the other players in this Action Plan. The Dalkey Business Association, The Community Council and the DL.R.C.C., through its Planning Department (controlling the built environment). The Architects Department (the protected structures and consulting role in building design of major development), Parks Department (parks and open spaces) the Roads Design section and principally the General Purposes, Environment Services and Community and Enterprise Service Providers. Last and no means least the greater community of Dalkey has a role to play.

Report from April '02 to March '03 - of some of our more positive results

With regard to DL.R.C.C. proposed financial restraints early last year. We wrote to various departments voicing our concern and received eight replies resulting in a meeting at which we were assured of their continued support.

The six high profile billboard sites in Dalkey have been generally unpopular for many years. They are however legal and a source of revenue for their owner. An amicable, on site, meeting between a representative of J.C. Decaux and the Tidy Towns Committee has resulted in marked improvement of the sites and their surrounds.

Areas in Dalkey that have been improved or are in progress

a. Rear of SuperValu
b. Castle Park/Ulverton Road Junction
c. Killiney Towers/Castle Park Road/Barnill Road Junction
Year round Floral Displays have been exceptional thanks to DL.R.C.C. and financial contributions from local organisations.
Public Clean Up Dates which were advertised in the DCC Newsletter were poorly supported.
Illegal Dumping of various items including cars have been dealt with.
New public seating is in situ at Coliemore Harbour.
Circular letters sent to various property owners have yielded some pleasing results.
The public information map at the entrance to St. Patrick's Avenue has been replaced by a more correct version.
An exchange of correspondence between our committee and Westport, a successful Heritage Town in the Tidy Towns Competition, was interesting and helpful.
Members of the committee are part of a community group concerned with the Parking / Traffic Plan for Dalkey.
The Lighting of the Christmas Tree and associated events, instigated by Dalkey Community Council and supported by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the Office of Public Works, Dalkey Business Association, Dalkey Tidy Towns and the Heritage Centre, was enjoyable and popular. Other people and organisations involved were sent letters of appreciation for their efforts.

This report acknowledges with thanks that any successful outcome of Dalkey Tidy Towns Committee's efforts has been due to the assistance of local people and organisations.